New Product: ROHS-Compliant TPEs
Elexar thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) compounds for wire and cable are RoHS compliant and reportedly surpass standard TPEs in electrical properties.
They
provide rubberlike
flexibility, toughness
(over a wide temperature
range), and remain flexible under
cold outdoor conditions. Brittleness
points range from –60 to –100°C
(–76 to –148°F). The compounds
have typical dielectric strengths of
600 to 900 V/mil and dielectric constants
of 2.1 to 2.4. Depending on
grade, maximum continuous operating
temperatures, as defined in UL-
1581, range from 105 to 125°C (221
to 257°F). The TPEs also have lower
specific gravity than standard flexible
vinyl compounds, resulting in lighter
wires and cables. Many grades are UL
recognized, meeting requirements
for outdoor weathering and UV resistance.
A representative compound,
EL-8431, has a 69 Shore A hardness,
a specific gravity of 0.93, tensile
strength of 19.8 MPa (2.9 kpsi), ultimate
elongation of 650%, maximum
continuous operating temperature
of 105°C, and oxygen index of 18%.
Teknor Apex, Thermoplastic Elastomer
Div., 505 Central Ave., Pawtucket,
RI 02861, (866) 438-8737,
teknorapex.com